Leadership on the Rocks

Hosted by Bethany Rees

Business Careers Management EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

120

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 19, 202645 min

#121 Finding Purpose Through “Holy Discontent” with Melissa Wilkinson

Melissa Wilkinson, founder of Anchored With Purpose, joins Bethany to explore what it looks like to lead with faith, purpose, and intention—even when life feels chaotic or the path ahead isn't clear. Melissa shares how “holy discontent” helped her recognize major transitions in her own leadership journey and why spending intentional time with God can bring clarity to our decisions, priorities, and next steps. They also discuss creating margin, navigating imposter syndrome, rediscovering forgotten dreams, and why leaders need to stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks. In this episode: Recognizing “holy discontent” and what God may be revealing through it Creating a daily faith practice without making it another checkbox Having a “business meeting with God” before tackling your task list Building margin into an overloaded life Finding clarity when you feel stuck or overwhelmed Moving past imposter syndrome and trusting your calling Asking God to illuminate your next right step 🔗 Connect with Our Guest: Website: anchoredwithpurpose.com The Bible App Devotional: From Lent to Lifestyle: Building a Daily Faith Practice that Lasts Anchored with Purpose Podcast Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal Anchored with Purpose Instagram Melissa Instagram CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Order my book Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership on Amazon . Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com

August 5, 202642 min

#120 How to Lead Without Burning Out with Curtis Sprouse

What if burnout isn't caused by doing too much... but by carrying the wrong things? In this episode of Leadership on the Rocks , Bethany sits down with leadership coach and entrepreneur Curtis Sprouse to discuss how leaders can regain clarity, manage pressure, reset between work and home, and create healthier lives without sacrificing performance. In this episode you'll learn: Why leaders must elevate themselves before they can elevate others The surprising first step to overcoming burnout How small daily habits dramatically improve leadership effectiveness Practical ways to mentally reset before walking through your front door Why defining the real problem changes everything How to stop carrying burdens you were never meant to carry Why people—not purpose—must always come first Connect with Curtis Sprouse 🌐 EurekaConnect: https://eurekaconnect.com/ Assessment & Leadership Coaching: 📧 shawna@eurekaconnect.com Institute for Biomedical Entrepreneurship: 🌐 https://www.ibeinc.org Leadership on the Rocks helps leaders build healthier teams, stronger foundations, and greater harmony between their professional and personal lives through coaching, workshops, speaking, and practical leadership resources. Visit us at www.leadershipontherocks.com . Order Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership at www.leadershipontherocks.com or on Amazon . CONTACT US: Visit our website at: https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email: contact@bressentialservices.com

June 24, 202637 min

#119 Faith-Based Leadership and Discipling Your Business with Mark Rowan

In this episode of Leadership on the Rocks, Bethany Rees sits down with Mark Rowan, founder of Sheep Feast, to discuss what it means to disciple your business and lead with faith, surrender, and stewardship. Together, they explore: • Why leadership starts with surrendering control to God • How discipleship applies to business leadership • The connection between faith and operational systems • Common mistakes Christian entrepreneurs make • How strong communication and organization support stewardship • What it means to truly shepherd the people you lead If you’ve ever struggled to balance faith, leadership, structure, and service, this episode will encourage you to lead with both conviction and clarity. 🔗 Connect with Our Guest: Mark Rowan https://sheepfeast.com https://disciplemybusiness.com/ Freebies: Prayer activation download (1 page): https://disciplemybusiness.com/prayer-business-leaders Overcoming the 3 Greatest Challenges Facing Christian Entrepreneurs (multi-page): https://disciplemybusiness.com/overcome-challenges --- Leadership isn’t about wearing different masks—it’s about standing on a firm foundation. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, consistency, and faith—without separating who you are at work from who you are at home—explore Bethany’s coaching, workshops, and leadership resources designed for real life and real leadership. Visit us at www.leadershipontherocks.com . Order my book Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership at www.leadershipontherocks.com or on Amazon . CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com

June 10, 202637 min

#118 The Curiosity Curve: Why Curiosity Drives Leadership Performance with Dr. Debra Clary

What happens when leaders stop trying to have all the answers and start asking better questions? In this episode, Bethany Rees talks with leadership strategist and curiosity expert Dr. Debra Clary about how curiosity drives innovation, improves team culture, strengthens decision-making, and helps leaders create psychologically safe workplaces. You’ll learn: ✔ Why curiosity is a measurable leadership skill ✔ How certainty kills innovation ✔ Questions every leader should ask ✔ How curiosity helps de-escalate conflict ✔ Why disengaged employees often feel unseen and unheard ✔ How leaders can build cultures where people contribute ideas freely If you’ve ever felt pressure to “know it all” as a leader, this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Our Guest: Website: www.debraclary.com Free Resource: Click here for free Curiosity Assessment In about 6–7 minutes, the assessment provides a personalized snapshot across four dimensions of curiosity: Exploration, Focused Engagement, Inspirational Creativity, and Openness to New Ideas. It’s a practical tool leaders can use to identify where they naturally operate and where strengthening curiosity could unlock better conversations, stronger teams, and more innovative thinking. Listeners will receive their results immediately and can use the insights to start building more curiosity-driven leadership in their work and organizations. https://thecultureplatform.com/partner/event/76ea6091acb7dc7834d97fd71c3d4910 *** Leadership on the Rocks helps leaders build healthier teams, stronger foundations, and greater harmony between their professional and personal lives through coaching, workshops, speaking, and practical leadership resources. Visit us at www.leadershipontherocks.com . Order my book Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership at www.leadershipontherocks.com or on Amazon . CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com

May 27, 202653 min

#117 Owners, Renters, and Vandals: The Mindsets Shaping Your Culture with Greg Hawks

In this episode, Bethany sits down with culture expert Greg Hawks to unpack what it really takes to build an ownership culture that fuels engagement, accountability, and results. Greg breaks down why most workplace cultures drift into dysfunction (hint: it’s not intentional) and how leaders can shift from overwhelmed managers to culture shapers. From the three workplace mindsets—owners, renters, and vandals—to the power of accountability and trust, this conversation is packed with practical leadership insight. You’ll also hear why AI can’t fix broken leadership—and what actually will. Key Takeaways: Why culture is the environment leaders intentionally (or unintentionally) create The 3 employee mindsets: owners, renters, and vandals How leaders can activate ownership instead of wishing for “better people” Why accountability is a progress partner , not punishment The role of trust, humility, and language in shaping culture Greg’s 5 Unlocks for building a culture people love Why upgrading your “human operating system” matters more than AI tools 🔗 Connect with Our Guest: Greg Hawks Website: https://www.greghawks.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghawks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greghawks *** Leadership isn’t about wearing different masks—it’s about standing on a firm foundation. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, consistency, and faith—without separating who you are at work from who you are at home—explore Bethany’s coaching, workshops, and leadership resources designed for real life and real leadership. Visit us at www.leadershipontherocks.com . Order my book Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership at www.leadershipontherocks.com or on Amazon . CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com

May 13, 202632 min

#116 When Life Feels Tangled: How Leaders Move Forward Without Full Clarity with Tina Eliana

Leadership doesn’t always feel polished and put together… sometimes it feels like a tangled mess behind the scenes. In this episode, Bethany sits down with Tina Eliana to unpack a powerful visual: leadership is like needlework—beautiful on the front, but messy on the back. The question is… how do you keep moving forward when you’re stuck in the tangle? Tina shares practical and faith-rooted wisdom on navigating uncertainty, letting go of control, and taking the next right step—even when clarity is nowhere to be found. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leaders often feel “put together” on the outside but chaotic on the inside The difference between a KNOT (something to work through) and a NOT (something to walk away from) How to stop spiraling with one simple question: “Is this in my circle?” Why trying to solve everything at once actually creates more chaos How to take one small, faithful step forward without full clarity The role of community, vulnerability, and even therapy in leadership growth Key Takeaway: You don’t need the full picture to move forward—you just need the next faithful step. 🔗 Connect with Our Guest: Tina Eliana Website: tinaeliana.com Facebook: facebook.com/TElianaOfficial/ LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tinaeliana Freebie : Five Leadership Lessons from a CEO is a collection of lessons designed to bring focus and perspective to the mindset, behaviors, and choices that define leadership. It's available at tinaeliana.com/resources *** Leadership isn’t about wearing different masks—it’s about standing on a firm foundation. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, consistency, and faith—without separating who you are at work from who you are at home—explore Bethany’s coaching, workshops, and leadership resources designed for real life and real leadership. Visit us at www.leadershipontherocks.com . Order my book Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership at www.leadershipontherocks.com or on Amazon . CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com

April 29, 202639 min

#115 The Frequency of Excellence: What Leaders Miss When They’re Too Busy with Scott Millson

In this episode, Bethany sits down with author and leadership coach Scott Millson to explore what it means to “tune in” to excellence in everyday leadership. Using the powerful metaphor of frequency, Scott shares how leaders often miss the most impactful lessons—not because they aren’t there, but because they aren’t paying attention. From his B5 Framework to stories from the Navy and executive leadership, this episode is a masterclass in presence, humility, and growth. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Excellence is always around you—you just have to tune in The B5 Framework: Be intentional, present, curious, bold, and reflective You don’t need all the answers— “I don’t know” is powerful leadership Growth happens in small moments , not just big ones Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal— proximity creates growth How you do anything is how you do everything Leadership is not about you—it’s about the people you serve 🔗 Connect with Our Guest: Website: www.scottmillson.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-millson/ *** Leadership isn’t about wearing different masks—it’s about standing on a firm foundation. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, consistency, and faith—without separating who you are at work from who you are at home—explore Bethany’s coaching, workshops, and leadership resources designed for real life and real leadership. Visit us at www.leadershipontherocks.com . Order my book Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership at www.leadershipontherocks.com or on Amazon . CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com

April 15, 202639 min

#114 Authentic Leadership & Culture That Connects with Dr. Valerie Arechiga

In this episode, Bethany sits down with Dr. Valerie Arechiga to unpack what it really means to lead with authenticity—and why culture isn’t built by policies, but by people. Drawing from her journey in education and her doctoral research, Valerie shares how leaders can create environments where every voice is valued, perspectives are honored, and connection drives performance. From the power of core values to the discipline of “pausing” instead of reacting, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for leaders in any industry. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Authentic leadership starts with knowing your core values—and staying true to them Culture is built when everyone has a seat AND a voice at the table The “power of the pause” can transform your decision-making and reduce reactive leadership Seek to understand before you assume—most people aren’t resisting, they’re lacking support Your background and culture are not limitations—they’re leadership assets The best leaders prioritize relationships over roles 🔗 Connect with Dr. Valerie Arechiga: LinkedIn: Valerie Nesmith-Arechiga, Ed.D Instagram: @Vaarechiga24 Website: thinkingnation.org *** 💥 Want to Strengthen Your Team’s Leadership? Most initiatives fail not because of bad ideas—but because leaders aren't equipped to carry them through. That’s where Leadership on the Rocks workshops come in. Whether you're leading a school, business, or nonprofit, our customizable, story-driven workshops give your team the clarity, tools, and confidence they need to lead effectively and create lasting impact. 👉 Visit leadershipontherocks.com to book a workshop and empower your leaders today! CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com

April 1, 202645 min

#113 Leading with Clarity and Courage in Complex Environments with Hema Gupta

In today’s episode, Bethany sits down with Hema Gupta, a leader working at the intersection of clean energy, strategy, and people, to unpack what it really looks like to lead when things are complex, fast-moving, and… let’s be honest… a little messy. Hema shares how leaders can move from overwhelm to clarity, why courage is a daily leadership decision (not a personality trait), and how elevating others is the real multiplier for sustainable success. If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating constant change with no clear roadmap—this conversation will give you both perspective and practical direction. 💡 In this episode, we cover: Why clarity is a leader’s responsibility—not a luxury How to lead with courage when the stakes (and uncertainty) are high Turning complexity into momentum instead of paralysis The mindset shift from “doing it all” to elevating others Leading in industries and environments that are constantly evolving 🔗 Connect with Hema Gupta on LinkedIn *** CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks Linked In: Bethany Rees Twitter: @Leadontherocks Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com

March 18, 202633 min

#112 Lead by Following: Why God Must Be the Leader of Your Leadership with David Schmidt

What if the key to strong leadership isn’t leading harder—but following better? In this episode, Bethany sits down with theologian, engineer, and business coach David Schmidt to explore how a leader’s worldview shapes everything from decisions to definition of success. David shares why Christian leaders must build their leadership on a foundation of following God first—and how daily time in Scripture transforms the way we lead, serve, and pursue results. They also discuss why success in leadership isn’t measured by profits or productivity, but by faithfulness and obedience to God. When leaders focus on diligence and honoring God in their work, the results are ultimately in His hands. Key Takeaways Your worldview shapes your leadership —what you believe about God and purpose influences every decision you make. Leadership transformation begins by following God first , not just adopting better mindsets or strategies. Sanctification matters in leadership —what’s inside you will come out when pressure hits. True success for Christian leaders is obedience and diligence , while trusting God with the results. The simplest leadership habit that changes everything: spend time in God’s Word every day. Resources & Links Free Resource: What God Says About Business: 5 Uncommon Truths for the Modern Business Website: https://www.redeemingbusinesstoday.com/ Podcast: Redeeming Business Today (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music) YouTube: @redeemingbusinesstoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschmidt-bible Newsletter: Leadership GPS (weekly leadership insights) 👉 Want more tools to thrive in leadership? Order my new book Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership at www.leadershipontherocks.com or on Amazon . CONTACT US: Visit our website at https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/ Follow us online at: Facebook: Leadership on the Rocks Instagram: @leadershipontherocks LinkedIn: Bethany Rees Email us at contact@bressentialservices.com